The local extension center in Klamath Falls now develops new varieties of potatoes that farmers from all over the Pacific Northwest — Oregon, Washington and Idaho — will plant for years to come. The Tri-State Potato Variety Development Program was moved to Klamath Falls last year. Klamath Falls is one of two locations, along with Aberdeen, Idaho, that grows spuds for the variety development program.
The new varieties, from specialty purple potatoes to russets with higher disease resistance, will go to commercial potato seed producers, farmers and, eventually, the supermarket.
The Klamath Basin was selected as a site for the Tri-State Potato Variety Development Program because its short growing season and cool temperatures provide resistance to pests and disease.
